1882 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1681

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,760 PR62 11-12-1990 Bowers & Merena

Description

Seventh variety in the 1882 Liberty Head Nickel pattern series. Struck in copper, this variety offers a visual contrast to the copper-nickel versions, with the warm reddish tones of the copper planchet highlighting the design's sculptural qualities in a way that the silvery nickel alloy does not. Barber routinely produced pattern coins in both the intended production metal and in copper, the latter serving as die trials and as examples for the Mint Cabinet. The obverse Liberty Head and reverse V-in-wreath designs continue the evolutionary progression of the series, with this variety potentially testing a specific obverse portrait modification — a different treatment of Liberty's hair, the coronet lettering, or the star placement. The copper composition also made these pieces useful as gifts and presentation items, as they could be produced without the expense of copper-nickel planchets.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Copper strikings may survive in slightly smaller numbers than their nickel counterparts.

Cross References

Judd J-1681, Pollock P-1883